Alarm Permit

On August 28, 2002, the Village of Norridge passed a false alarm ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to encourage alarm users and alarm companies to maintain the operational reliability and proper use of alarm systems. This will reduce or eliminate false alarm dispatch requests. Any residence or commercial business within the Village of Norridge that has a burglar alarm system monitored by an alarm company is required to register with the Alarm Administrator at the Norridge Police Department. The fee for a residence is $25.00, and a commercial business is $50.00. This fee is due annually on May 1st. Any residential home or commercial business with a monitored alarm system should contact the Norridge Police Department Alarm Administrator for a permit application and a copy of the ordinance. If you have any questions about the permits, fees or the ordinance, please contact the Alarm Administrator in the Records Department at 708-453-4770, Extension 5774.

Alarm Registration Application

Bicycle Registration

Citizens may register their bicycles at the Norridge Police Department for no charge. This service records the make, model, color, etc., of each bicycle. A license sticker is then issued for the owner to affix to their bicycle. Most bicycles are not stolen to be sold by the thief. Most are “borrowed” as a quick means of transportation and then abandoned. Most are eventually recovered but can not be returned as the owner can not be identified. Recovered bicycles with license stickers can easily be returned to the owner no matter which police jurisdiction recovers them.

D.A.R.E.

D.A.R.E. has been an important juvenile program for the Norridge Police Department for over 20 years. D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a cooperative program which involves the entire village, police department, local school districts and parents. The program has been taught to 5th grade students at Giles, Leigh, and Pennoyer Schools for the past 20 years. The unique aspect of this program is the officer’s involvement in teaching the class.

The Village President and the Board of Trustees have been committed to the D.A.R.E. Program from inception. The Village has always felt it important to have officers regularly interacting with students. While other communities have had to cut back on juvenile programs, the Village of Norridge has never wavered in its support and continues to fully fund the program.

School Districts 79 (Pennoyer) and 80 (Giles and Leigh) are big supporters of the D.A.R.E. Program. Teachers are continually supporting the officers with guidance and encouragement, while the administrators have made sure scheduling, facility use and equipment are always available.

D.A.R.E. began in 1983 in Los Angeles as a way to educate and inform children on how to resist the pressure of drug use. The program has evolved over the years and has become an evidence based program to reduce drug use. Several weeks of training are required for police officers to teach the D.A.R.E. Program. Training includes curriculum on teaching techniques, elementary school operations, preparations for visual aids, officer-school relationships, narcotic recognition, communication skills, peer pressure resistance techniques and adolescent development and learning.

An important aspect of the program for the officers is their presence in the classroom and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the children. These officers spend 10 to 12 weeks presenting structured lessons in decision making, teen perceptions, health facts, the purpose and effect of advertising, peer pressure resistance, and healthy alternatives. Over the weeks, the officers are able to present a less stereo-typical view of police officers and police work. Our goal is to provide not only important drug resistance skills, but to provide children with another resource that they can feel comfortable turning to during a crisis.

Norridge Police Officers work hard to build these relationships. They try hard to positively influence and help the students who have completed the program. They are always approachable; whether in their police cars, at the schools or even on the baseball fields at the park.

This approachability is shared by the entire Norridge Police Department. We always encourage all students and parents to approach us so that we may continue to be a resource in the community.

Drug Take Back Program 

In an attempt to provide the residents of Norridge a safe solution to dispose of expired and unused prescription and non-prescription drugs, the Norridge Police Department has partnered with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Drug Take Back Program. 

This free service is provided by authorization of the Village of Norridge & Cook County Board of Commissioners to reduce access to unused and expired prescription and non-prescription drugs in order to prevent misuse that can lead to poisoning or death.  According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”), most abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. The DEA has described unused or expired prescription medication as a “public safety” issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse.

•Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. 
•The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family, friends and the home medicine cabinet.
•Unused prescription drugs thrown into the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. 
•Just as troubling, everyday prescription drugs are dumped down drains, toilets, and in the garbage.

The Norridge Police Department strongly endorses the proper disposal of unused drugs to help save lives and protect the environment. “It is our responsibility to help reduce access to unused and expired prescription and non-prescription drugs to prevent misuse that can lead to poisoning or death”, said Chief Brian Goss.

The Norridge Police Departments asks residents to please dispose of unused and expired prescription or non-prescription drugs responsibly. Do not leave them lying around unattended. Do not throw them in the trash or down the sink and do not flush them down the toilet.

Please bring any unused or expired prescription or non-prescription drugs to the Drop Off Box located at the Norridge Police Department – 4020 N. Olcott Ave. Norridge, IL 60706.  DO NOT PUT LIQUID MEDICATION OR SYRINGES IN THE BOX.

Any additional questions pertaining to the Drug Take Back Program can be directed to the Norridge Police Department at 708-453-4770.

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Early Detection Siren System

In the Village of Norridge, you may have heard sirens and signals going off depending on the day of the week, your location, and the weather conditions outside your door. The Norwood Park Fire Protection District has an Early Detection System that will send alerts and pre-recorded messages over speakers to alert you of problems, and the Norridge Park District has a lightening detection system.

The Norwood Park Fire Department has an Early Detection System that will either sound off with sirens or voice recordings. The M.A.B.A.S. Division along with NORCOMM will coordinate the activation with the Fire Department to set the system off.

For example, one such announcement might be for a tornado:

ATTENTION: A TORNADO WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE NORWOOD PARK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FOR NORRIDGE, HARWOOD HEIGHTS, AND NORWOOD PARK TOWNSHIP. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.

After this announcement, you will hear the siren sounded. At this time, please proceed to your basement with a flashlight and battery-powered radio. Stay in the southeast corner, away from all windows. Listen to your radio for further information from the National Weather Service. This system is tested on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 A.M. This tone will last approximately 1 minute. In keeping with the policy of the National Weather Service, the issuance of an “all clear” statement will not be issued by the Norwood Park Fire Protection District. If you are requesting “all clear” information, please monitor commercial radio and television for further weather information.

The Norridge Park District has a lightning prediction system that consists of sensors measuring electrostatic charges at ground level and in the atmosphere. These electrostatic charges, invisible to the naked eye, build prior to lightning occurrences. When conditions indicate that a lightning occurrence is probable, a signal is sent to two alarm horns and to strobe lights located at the Norridge Park Field House. The system is operational during park hours from April 1st to mid-November.

Norridge Park District Procedures are to be followed when potentially dangerous weather exists:

Warning Signal

A Warning Signal (one long 15 second horn blast) will sound and strobe lights will activate when a potentially dangerous weather situation is approaching. The strobe lights are mounted on the top of the Norridge Recreation Field House. If the strobe lights are activated, a potentially dangerous weather situation exists.

Procedures

All activities in the park will end immediately and patrons must leave the park. It is recommended that park patrons seek shelter in their cars or a building. Patrons should avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape. They should not use a tree for shelter, and they should keep away from metal objects such as bicycles, golf clubs, umbrellas, etc. All park patrons must wait until the Lightning Prediction System performs an all clear signal before returning to the park.

All Clear Signal

The all clear signal (three short horn blasts, two seconds apart) will sound, and the strobe lights will de-activate. After the all clear signal sounds and the strobe lights de-activate, park patrons may resume their activities. This all clear signal is given by the Thor Detection System and is separate from the Early Detection System.

Caution

The Thor Guard System helps assess the conditions. Neither the signal, nor the system, is intended to guarantee that conditions are safe. If the weather is threatening, and no warning signal is heard or seen, use good judgment and clear the field. Do not wait for the warning signal to activate, as the system can malfunction.

The Village also utilizes its Blackboard Connect Mass Notification System to send pre-recorded messages to you in the event of an emergency. Please check out that portion of the web site for further information. Sign up via the web or by walking into the Village Hall. The Village will use this system to provide you with information in the event of a disaster and procedures and actions we are taking at the time. Due to the number of people we need to call and the time it takes to process the call we would not be able to notify you unless we had advanced warning.

Financial Scams & Schemes

The Norridge Police Department encourages citizens to be proactive in protecting themselves from financial scams and identity theft.  As technology continues to expand, scammers develop new and creative ways of stealing your money.  Scammers will contact you by phone, through email, or even the US Mail.  Some of the more common scams observed by the Norridge Police Department are as follows:

•Work from Home Scams:  In these scams, people will often receive emails or find flyers offering stay at home income.  These scammers will often have people fill out applications or even answer some interview questions by email or over the phone to convince you they are a legitimate business.  Often, people are required to purchase costly equipment to start their new job, only to find out there is no work and no pay for them.  Other times they will offer income for services like package forwarding or envelope stuffing.  Often those services are either pyramid schemes or help the scammer in furthering the distribution of illicitly gained stolen goods.

•Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Scams:  These scams occur by phone or by email and advise people of an unclaimed tax refund or of back taxes owed.  Generally, the scammer seeks personally identifying information from the victim in order to process their claim.  Instead, the information provided is then used to commit identity theft. See an example of an IRS phishing email (PDF) online.  The IRS advises on their website that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, social media, or text message, requesting personal financial information.

•Free Gifts, Vacations, or Prizes:  Offers of free gifts or prizes are common scams.  Sometimes "winners" will be required to pay postage and handling to claim their free gift.  Other times personal information is obtained and used for later identity thefts.

•Advance Fee Schemes and Foreign Lottery Scams:  An advance fee scheme occurs when the victim pays money to someone in anticipation of receiving something of greater value - such as a loan, contract, investment, or winnings - and then received little or nothing in return.  These schemes can be applied to almost anything depending on the creativity of the scammer, to include lottery winnings, inheritance or found money, and a myriad of products and services.  The victim may even be required to sign potential lending contracts and make good faith down payments, only to discover they are not eligible for the loan they were requesting.

•Health Care and Health Insurance Scams:  Health Care scams are common and seek victims who may need medical devices or services that they cannot otherwise afford.  The scammer will offer free devices, only to bill the victims insurance later. There is no guarantee the cost of the device won't be passed on to the victim if the insurance company denies the claim deeming the device not medically necessary.

•Posing as Bank Officials or Police Officials:  Another common scam is when a scammer will pose as a bank employee or police official.  In bank related cases, the caller or email will indicate there are problems with your accounts.  They will request account information or personal information in order to verify your identity.  Sometimes emails contain links that appear to go to legitimate bank websites.  Frequently these websites are clever copycat sites that have fields requesting personal information.  In Police and Government Official related scams, the caller will demand money for a relative in jail.  The caller may request the money be sent in the form of Green Dot Cards, via Western Union, or account transfers.  If you are uncertain about the authenticity of a caller or email, call the agency or bank directly from a verified number before providing any personal information or paying any money.

Protect Yourself

Be wary of any deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Never sign documents you do not understand and be wary of investment opportunities that promise extremely high yields.  Don't pay in advance for services, only after they have been rendered.  Don't pay for a free prize.  If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, they are in violation of federal law.  Never give out personal information to any unsolicited emails, text messages, phone calls, or mail inquiries.  If you believe a deal may be legitimate, disconnect the phone call and contact the company directly from a verified number.  Check the business on the Better Business Bureau.  If you are still unsure, contact your local police authority and follow their guidance.

Any time you believe an offer is likely a scam, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  There are numerous variations of the above schemes and frauds.  There are also other common scams not mentioned in this article, as well as new ones being developed every day.  Always use due diligence in verifying the authenticity of a company or offer before engaging in any business with that company.

Motor Vehicle Accident Reports Online

You may purchase and download a copy of an Illinois Accident Report taken by the Norridge Police Department for accidents that occurred on or after January 1, 2015.

Visit www.policereports.lexisnexis.com if you are an individual involved in an accident or are with an insurance company.  You will need the date of the accident, the operator's last name, crash report number, and the agency name to obtain the report.

Persons with Disabilities Parking

The Village of Norridge follows State of Illinois Motor Vehicle Statues, Illinois Accessibility Code, and Village Ordinance. It is prohibited to park any motor vehicle which is not bearing registration plates, decals, or placards issued to a person with disabilities in any parking place except for the space containing the International symbol of access. If you park on the striped access next to the space you are in violation of the laws set forth concerning the placard. If you are not the authorized holder of the placard it shall be unlawful for you to park in the designated disabled parking space. The purpose for the striped access way is to allow for access of people that need the extra space to either exit the vehicle or to extend a ramp into the area.

FAQs about Persons with Disabilities Parking

I parked in the stripped access way and do not have a disabled placard, am I in violation?
Parking in the stripe access area without a placard is in violation of the ordinance. If you just pulled into the space and stopped this is parking in the space because the vehicle is not in motion.

I parked in the striped access way and do have a disabled placard, am I in violation?
Parking the stripe access area with a placard is in violation of the ordinance. If you just pulled into the space and stopped this is parking in the space because the vehicle is not in motion.

I was at an establishment and for the size of the establishment it appears their aren’t enough spaces to park. What should I do?
The Village asks you to report the establishment, but also to note the chart below. Many of the larger establishments do not require as many spaces as one would think.

What is the fine for parking in a disabled space without a placard?
The fine for parking in a disabled space without a placard is $250.

What is the fine for parking in a stripped access way?
The fine for parking in a stripped access way with or without a placard is $250.

What is the fine for not being the authorized user of the placard?
The fine for not being the authorized user of the placard is $500 and could result in revocation of the placard.

More Information

• What You Should Know About Accessible Parking
• Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities
• Disabled Parking Sign
• Fine Sign for Disabled Parking
• Access Aisle for Parking Spaces
• Secretary of State Disability Publications

Norridge Applications

• Application for Disabled Parking Signs
• Application for Disabled Parking Sign Renewal
• Request for Removal of Disabled Parking Signs

Solicitation is authorized by permit only, between the hours of 9a.m. and 7p.m. Monday through Saturday. No soliciting is permitted outside those hours, or on a Sunday or state or national holidays. Residents who desire not to be visited by solicitors may obtain a sticker at the Village Hall which states “No Solicitors Invited”. To obtain a solicitor’s permit, you must contact the Norridge Police Department, 708-453-4770. The fee of $50.00(per applicant) is required for a fingerprint and background check. Solicitor’s permits are issued for a period of two weeks per application request.

For information about the validity of solicitors or to determine if your Police department directly benefits from monies you contribute, call your Police department. The Department does not actively solicit donations.

Tow Release Information

When a vehicle is towed by the Norridge Police Department, a release form is required from the Police Department to claim your vehicle at the tow company. Illinois State Law requires the Norridge Police Department and the towing company to establish legal proof of ownership and insurance coverage before releasing the vehicle to a legally licensed operator. To expedite the procedure, the following documentation should be ready when you come in to obtain the release:

• Vehicle Title (or other documented proof of ownership if you don’t have the title)
• Current valid registration for vehicle
• Valid proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Two (2) legally licensed drivers; One to drive to the tow facility and one to drive your vehicle. - They must show their valid drivers license at the time of the release.
• The vehicle owner, as indicated by the title and registration, must be present to receive the release. If the owner is unavailable or incapacitated, a notarized letter or other legal document identifying the person to whom the vehicle is to be released can be accepted.

If your vehicle can not be driven and you are having it towed upon release, we need information about where it will be towed to. (The name, address and phone number of the body shop or repair facility.)

If you do not bring the required items, we will not issue you a release for the vehicle. Do not go to the tow company until you have obtained the release form. They will not release your vehicle without one.

Vacation House checks

The Norridge Police Department offers a vacation house check for residents who will be away from their homes for a few days or a few weeks. The service is not intended for unoccupied homes that are vacant and for sale. Please contact the Norridge Police Department at 708-453-4770 to request a vacation house check.

911

When to use 911

The most important thing to remember about 911 is when to use it. It is not meant to be used to contact the police department about routine matters. If you dial 911 for a non emergency matter, you are tying up a line that could be needed in a real emergency.

An emergency is when IMMEDIATE police, fire department or paramedic assistance is necessary to protect life and property.

Some examples of 911 are:

• to report a fire
• to stop a crime
• to save a life

Don’t call 911:

• if the crime has occurred and the offenders are no longer on the scene
• to report minor motor vehicle accidents
• to obtain information from the police department
• to speak with an officer
• non emergency situations

For reporting non emergencies or need basic information, call 708-453-4770

How to use 911

When calling 911, do the following:

• Give the location of the emergency, being as specific as possible
• Specify the kind of emergency
• If it is crime related, was there a weapon seen or implied
• The number of persons involved along with a description of people, vehicle
• Including license plate information and direction of travel
• Keep information factual
• Follow the instructions given to you by the dispatcher, and don’t hang up until they have all the necessary information or your life is in danger.

Dialed In Error and Hang Up Calls

One of the biggest problems 911 dispatchers deal with are dialed in error calls and hang up calls. With each of these, we must determine whether or not the call was made by accident or if a real emergency exists. To do this, we must send an officer to the caller’s location to make the determination. This takes our officers away from the real emergencies. This is especially a problem with cellular calls where the phones have a one button 911 feature. Many times this feature is pressed by accident while in a purse or pocket. Each owner of a cellular phone must take the time to understand the phone’s features and take the steps necessary to prevent these types of accidental calls from being made. One way to stop these types of calls is to lock your keypad.